The Pittsburgh Steelers have released linebacker Joey Porter, one of their defensive co-captains and an integral part of the Super Bowl XL championship squad.

Speculation on Porter's position with the team arose while new head coach Mike Tomlin was in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine last week.

Advertisement

Porter, an eight-year veteran with the team, made it clear that he wanted to remain in Pittsburgh. However, he turns 30 next month and had just one year remaining on his current deal, which would have brought him $4 million next season.

"It's a business move. You can't get upset," Porter told Channel 4 Action Sports anchor Jon Burton by phone. "Business moves happen every day. That is just part of the game, and me being upset that I don't get to benefit is just something I deal with personally."

Known for his trash-talking, Porter was labeled as "the most feared player in the NFL" on a Sports Illustrated magazine cover last September.

But Porter will also be remembered in Pittsburgh for his on-field play, which was often dominant. He went to the Pro Bowl three times and ranks fourth on the Steelers' career sack list with 60.

Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations, said Porter's release was necessary to give the team some room under the NFL's salary cap.

"Releasing a player like Joey Porter, who has meant so much to this franchise and helped us win a Super Bowl championship, is not an easy thing to do," Colbert told Steelers.com. "It's one of the decisions you have to make under this current system."

Porter wasn't the only player to get released.

Running back Verron Haynes and offensive lineman Barrett Brooks were also let go.

Haynes played in 60 games with the Steelers and rushed for 738 yards and three touchdowns on 174 carries.

Tender offers were made to backup quarterback Brian St. Pierre and offensive lineman Max Starks.

By making those offers, the Steelers reserve the right to retain the players by matching any offer sheets St. Pierre or Starks would sign with another team.